“For the next decade of your life, you’ll be working toward achieving this amazing goal. From the time you finish college and begin your training, there will be moments when you question why you’re doing this. You’ll have doubts – and that’s normal. It’s all part of the process of entering medical education. Know that the sacrifices you’re about to make are worth it. You will change people’s lives, and there’s nothing more meaningful than helping others – emotionally, physically and spiritually. Focus on others, and that’s where you’ll find purpose on this journey.” – Dr. David LaVelle
The Campbell Clinic Foundation is proud to foster a vibrant healthcare community, as demonstrated through our collaboration with the UTHSC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering to host the 2025 Summer Orthopaedic Internship. This program is designed to encourage and support undergraduate students pursuing medical education to specialize in orthopaedic medicine.
This year, our three interns were selected from a competitive pool of more than 35 applicants. These impressive young women demonstrated academic excellence, meaningful experience and a passion for shaping the future of orthopaedic care. Each had opportunities to shadow orthopaedic surgeons in both operating rooms and clinics; follow current orthopaedic surgery residents on hospital rotations; work side-by-side in labs with leading PhDs and research teams; and network with healthcare industry and hospital leaders.
Their powerful six-week journey of scientific discovery, clinical immersion and professional development ended with an Intern Presentation Day, where all three had the opportunity to present their findings to Campbell leadership, their families and colleagues.
Cate Drane (University of Mississippi, rising senior)
Cate Drane presented on Engineering IMSC-iOSC Systems for Targeted Collagen Microsphere and Organoid Therapeutic Delivery. Cate’s favorite part of the summer was seeing research and clinical care in action together, especially after observing stem cell therapy in practice.
Emma Roden (Mississippi State University, rising junior)
Emma Roden’s project, Osteoarthritis: Exosome Characterization, examined cellular communication in joint health and the potential of exosome analysis to improve stem cell therapy outcomes for adults affected by osteoarthritis.
Ashley Wilwerding (University of Nebraska–Lincoln, rising junior)
Ashley Wilwerding researched WNT Signaling in Osteoclastogenesis, exploring whether targeting the WNT5B pathway could lead to new osteoporosis treatments by analyzing osteoclast behavior on bone surfaces.
“It’s a privilege to host these exceptional undergraduate students and to incorporate them into our clinical and research teams,” said Clayton C. Bettin, MD, FAAOS, residency program director, UTHSC-Campbell Clinic Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering. “Each one maximized the opportunity and gave excellent presentations on their research at the completion of the internship. They represent the future of orthopaedics. We are happy to assist them in their journey.”
From lab breakthroughs to OR shadowing, mentorship moments and Memphis adventures, the 2025 Summer Orthopaedic Internship was a season of discovery, connection and purpose. We look forward to seeing these rising leaders bring their passion to medical school – and eventually, to the future of orthopaedics. They now have a home in Memphis, and they’ll always be part of the Campbell family.
We are honored to carry forward the legacy of pioneers like Dr. Lucie King, Class of 1983 and the first female graduate of the UTHSC-Campbell Clinic orthopaedic surgery residency and build new pathways for aspiring students in this dynamic, rewarding specialty
